Mrs. Thelfred Murray, 72, of Albany, Georgia departed this life Saturday, April 6, 2024 at her residence in Albany, Georgia.

Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at 2:00 P.M. in the Riverside Cemetery, 200 Cotton Ave, Albany, Georgia 31701.

Thelfred Harrison Murray was the third child born to the late Fred Harrison, Sr., and Earline Whitfield Harrison on November 19, 1951, in Edison, Calhoun County, Georgia. When Thelfred heard the soft whisper of her master’s voice she closed her eyes and answered His call, ending her earthly journey and entering into the Glorious Presence of God.

Throughout her life, Thelfred was nurtured in the word of God and she accepted Christ as her savior at an early age. As a youth she was baptized into the faith at Turner Chapel Missionary Baptist Church.

She was an active member and participant in all programs related to youth ministries. She especially enjoyed pantomime dances of praise. Thelfred was educated in the public schools of Calhoun County, Georgia. In Edison, she learned the importance of community from her parents, grandparents, friends, and neighbors. She graduated in the class of 1969, from H.T. Singleton High School. Upon completion of high school she attended Fort Valley State University, majoring in Secondary Education and English Literature, and received her B.S. Degree. Her love of learning and teaching inspired her to earn a M.S. and Specialist Degree from Florida International University and Nova University. She was employed as an English teacher and media specialist in the Miami- Dade County public schools for 35 years. From her home, she tutored children who needed special help. Upon retirement, she moved back to Albany, Georgia to be near her family and to give back to her beloved childhood community in Edison.

Thelfred was united in marriage to Clifford Murray and even though they were not blessed with their own children, she nurtured and helped to raise his. She was a doting Auntie to all of her sibling’s children and loved them as her own. She was affectionately called Auntie “Pet” and Auntie “Goddy.” She was an avid reader and loved watching old cowboy movies. Thelfred loved and adored her canine children, Sammy, Mackey, and Romeo.

Thelfred was a rare gem with a heart of gold. She was strong willed and always spoke her mind, without hesitation. She never backed down from a challenge and always continued to persevere. If ever in her company, she would always be the dominating personality even though she was a private person. She was a friendly person and never met a stranger. To know her was to love her and accept her as uniquely Thelfred. She loved her family unconditionally in her own special way, always being an encourager, inspirer, and advisor.

Loving memories will forever be cherished by her siblings, Dr. Fred Harrison, Jr. (JoAnn), Dr. Kathy A. Barnes (Jesse), and Tessie Dixon; nieces and nephews, Sherita Barber, Cedric Cox, Erica Arnold, Jordan Harrison, Jesse Barnes III, Jenee Barnes, Gregory Barnes, Jeremy Dixon, Marcus Arnold, and Micha’le Harrison; great nieces and nephews, Alysia Barber, Andrion Barber, Javen Barnes, Rodney Pruitt, Kaitlyn Barnes, Gregory Barnes II, Karley Dixon, Edison Arnold, Mae Arnold, and Jordan Sage Harrison; great-great niece, Demeatria Jackson; two aunts, Carrie Whitfield and Juanita Harrison; one uncle, Lewis Harrison; and a host of cousins, friends, and other family members.

She was preceded in death by her father, Fred Harrison, Sr.; mother, Earline Harrison; sister, Miriam Cox; nephew, Alfred Cox; and the ancestors who have welcomed her into her new heavenly home.

Meadows Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.